NATURE NOTES
FROM
ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK

Spring in Wild Basin
HAROLD RATCLIFF, PERMANENT RANGER

The fine weather which we have experienced the past two weeks has brought about a transformation in the landscape.

The snowbanks have melted to such an extent that one can ride three miles above the ranger station on the Thunder Lake Trail and as far as Campers Creek on the Sandbeach Lake Trail. As a result of this melting, however, the creeks have become raging torrents in their mad rush to reach the lower levels.

The aspens and willows are assuming a greenish cast, and the last few days the leaves seem to have fairly burst out of their winter coats. flooding the hillsides with fresh color. This new growth is rapidly hiding the old fire scars, logs and other debris which would be so noticeable now that the snow is disappearing.

The flowers too seem to be doing their best to cloth the ground with spring finery. A few days ago we found a calypso lily lifting its delicately colored blossom along the path to the corral. The pasque flowers are forming a dark blue border on the road from the station to Copeland Lake Lodge.

A few days ago I saddled my horse and left for a ride to ascertain how far one could go up the Sandbeach Lake Trail. On every hand I found evidence that spring has arrived even in Wild Basin. Kinnikinnick was in bloom, and spring beauties were lifting their flowered heads. A sprig of larkspur was growing from under a rock and the bright yellow blossoms of golden banner were in evidence.

The Douglas firs were trying to outdo each other in the number and brilliance of the crimson cones which they could produce. Chipmunks and striped groundsquirrels were everywhere, and marmots whistled their warnings and flattened themselves against rocks. The heaver too, were active for I found freshly cut and peeled willow twigs floating in the ponds.

The most conclusive evidence that spring has arrived came this week when a goodly number of picnickers and hikers appeared. Some came in cars: some on foot and others on horseback, but all of them came to enjoy a day out-of-doors away from the office and the grinding routine.